TRADITIONAL ale and classical music come together in Richmond when a brewery sponsors part of a concert series.

The Black Sheep brewery at Masham has agreed to back a performance by a Swedish piano trio as part of the 55th annual Richmondshire Subscription Concerts season.

The Kungsbacka trio plays at the Zetland Christian community centre, Victoria Road, tomorrow, at 7.30.

Doug Waugh, concert organiser, said the association with real ale was an interesting one. "For some reason, quality beer is traditionally linked with folk music, yet there is no reason why it shouldn't be enjoyed at the same sitting as a classical performance," he said.

"We are delighted to have the support of the Black Sheep brewery and are looking forward to introducing the trio to Richmond. They are exceptional musicians and it should make for a delightful evening's entertainment."

Paul Theakston, brewery managing director, selected the Kungsbacka trio because they hail from Sweden.

"Surprisingly, we sell a lot of our speciality beers in Sweden so the musicians may already be familiar with our ales," he said. "If not, they will be very welcome to sample some. I am very much looking forward to meeting them and hearing their music."

The musicians will perform pieces by Haydn, Schumann and Mendelssohn, a repertoire that has won them international acclaim.

Their visit to Richmond is part of an international tour, slotted between Salzburg's Mozartum and the Salon di Virtuosi in New York.

Tickets for tomorrow's concert are £7.50 from Richmond tourist information centre, tel 01748 850252. The King's Head hotel offers special overnight rates to ticket holders